Lawmakers & Activists Want To Repeal Death Penalty In Maryland

PIKESVILLE, Md. (WJZ) — There’s a renewed effort to do away with the death penalty in Maryland. Groups pushing for a repeal join forces as lawmakers get ready to take up the issue at this winter’s General Assembly.

Kai Jackson has more from both sides of this polarizing issue.

Some lawmakers and activists plan to make another push to repeal the death penalty in 2012.

The murder of a loved one and the execution of the murderer makes the debate of the death penalty a perpetually controversial issue.

“When we have other punishment options available to government, we should not resort to the death penalty,” said one woman.

At Beth El congregation in Pikesville, death penalty opponents gathered to remember and honor Rabbi Mark Loeb. He was a member of the Maryland Commission on Capital Punishment and he helped lead the fight to abolish it before he died in 2009.

“We loved Rabbi Loeb. He was such an anchor to the whole team on that commission. There was not a person who didn’t see his big heart and his beautiful soul,” said Vicki Schieber.

Schieber’s daughter Shannon was 23 when she was raped and murdered in 2009 while a graduate student in Philadelphia. Schieber opposes the death penalty.

Kirk Bloodsworth has spoken across the country trying to abolish the death penalty. The Maryland native was the first person in the country to be exonerated for a rape and murder based on DNA evidence.

“He was a teacher and a good friend and a very larger than life human being,” Bloodsworth said.

Instead of trying to repeal the death penalty they shoukd be pushing for the enforcement of it. The one thing all humans understand is “fear” without the fear of swift justice these animals will continue to kill. The death penalty I’m in favor of is murder while robbing, raping, etc. not crimes of passion. Trial, conviction (if guilty), very swift execution.

I agree as long as these thugs know all they are going to get is life in prison, they do not care. they still get to watch cable chill with their fellow thugs and have a GOOD OLE FREE TIME!!! Death for death seems right to me. But I am guessing those opposing it have not lost a close family member to murder.

So right Wiseguy it is the Wild Wild West, need to fry these people and quick. Take a life you lose yours it is not rocket science. These animals today have no respect for anyones life they will kill their own grandmother for 1.00

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I agree if the death penalty was actually enforced there would be alot less violent crime. If someone commits a crime make them pay immediately. None of this living the life of ease in prison with free food, heat, education, etc. All at the expense of the honest taxpayers who follow the rules and do what they are supposed to do. An eye for an eye I say. Take a look at countries that actually practice this, there is alot less violent crime when people know they are going to be held accountable for their actions. I live in Baltimore City and have done so all my life, but something has to change.

Jason Jones – the firing squad and good ol’ fashioned rope & oak trees (are there any in Baltimore City) would constitute “cruel and unusual punishment, to the squad and tress. I’m with you though, I’m tired of paying room and board for people that are violent and can not live in civilized society..